Work begins on new engineering centre

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 1, 2005

A major new initiative for Norfolk's engineering sector took several strides forward last week.

A major new initiative for Norfolk's engineering sector took several strides forward last week.

Work has started on the construction of the new GBP 4 million Centre for Engineering Excellence at Hethel adjacent to the headquarters of Group Lotus.

In addition, partners behind the scheme have announced the appointment of the Centre's first Chairman.

The start of building work signals the completion of the transfer of the land from Group Lotus to Norfolk County Council, which is leading the partnership bringing forward this new venture.

The builder, Mansell Construction of Swaffham, has now been able to move onto the site to commence clearance and groundworks.

In addition, the partners backing the new Centre for Engineering Excellence today announced the appointment of the Chairman who will head the Strategic Management Board for the new Centre.

The appointee is David Taitt, a Norfolk-based mechanical engineer with a wide range of skills and experience in automotive engineering, research and development.

Currently running his own consultancy, Taitt has had extensive experience at Ford Motor Co, Lucas and Lotus Engineering, where he spent three years as Director of Engineering.

"I am delighted to have been given this opportunity at the head of what is an incredibly exciting development and I look forward to ensuring the centre maximises the support and benefits it offers to the region's engineering sector", said Taitt.

"With the resources we will offer, we also hope to attract businesses to relocate to Norfolk, and that the centre will benefit the regional economy with further growth, investment and jobs".

Tony Tomkinson, Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development, said: "The engineering sector is a vibrant and important part of the local economy with some real jewels admired the world over".

"This investment in business development and support is an exciting demonstration of our commitment to this sector to enable and encourage there to be more for Norfolk to be proud of".

"I'm delighted to see work get under way on site".

"I am also pleased to welcome David Taitt on board as our Chairman and I look forward to working with him in the future to ensure the centre is as successful as we are anticipating".

A ceremony to mark the start of work on site will be held on 10th March 2005, when Formula 1 and Le Mans racing driver and local resident Ralph Firman will "cut the turf" in front of invited guests.

The Norfolk Centre of Engineering Excellence will provide a unique range of facilities to start-up and established engineering companies across the region.

These include rental units, a training centre, business advice sources and leading-edge engineering facilities.

John Murfitt, Managing Director, Norfolk Capacitors, and Shaping the Future engineering sector Chairman, is enthusiastic about the impact on the local engineering sector.

"Norfolk and the surrounding counties are home to a large number of engineering companies spanning aerospace, automotive, electronics, offshore, motorsport and many others", he says.

"The Centre for Engineering Excellence will be a magnet to companies determined to succeed".

Richard Bridgman, founder and Chairman of Thetford-based engineering specialist Warren Services, welcomes the opportunities the new centre will offer: "We all know business is tough - the winners are those who are prepared to put in the effort and 'go the extra mile'".

"This new initiative is designed to help companies like ours reap the rewards of that effort and commitment".

"It'll help us get the specific training, support and advice we need to get out there and win".

Robert Tickner, Group Lotus' representative on the Strategic Management Board of the centre, said: "Group Lotus is delighted to be playing a part in this exciting new venture and it is fitting that the centre is located close to one of the UK's leading automotive companies".

"It will attract engineers and engineering companies who will find everything they need to help them compete and win in the marketplace".

The centre is expected to be completed and officially opened in January 2006.

In the meantime, the centre will be seeking tenants and planning training courses from June of this year.